Three Dead, Dozens Injured in Serbia Bus Crash Near Sremska Mitrovica

Tragic Accident Claims Three Lives

BELGRADE, Serbia – A tragic bus accident on Friday, October 17, 2025, near the northern Serbian city of Sremska Mitrovica has left three people dead and 35 injured. The bus, carrying workers from a healthcare equipment manufacturer, veered off a regional road and overturned onto its roof around 2:45 p.m. local time.

The incident occurred on the road connecting Sremska Mitrovica with the nearby village of Jarak, approximately 70 kilometers northwest of Belgrade. Two individuals died at the scene of the crash, while a third succumbed to their injuries later at a hospital.

Injuries and Emergency Response

Emergency services swiftly responded to the scene, dispatching six medical teams. A total of 35 passengers were treated at Sremska Mitrovica General Hospital. Hospital official Vojislav Mirnic reported that most of the injured sustained serious wounds, and one patient was transferred to the Clinical Center of Vojvodina in Novi Sad for further specialized treatment. Initial reports indicated that around 80 people were transported to the hospital for medical attention, with eight patients placed in intensive care.

Investigation Underway, Driver Detained

The bus was operated by 'Sirmium bus', a private transport company, and was transporting employees of the 'Healthcare' factory from Ruma. The cause of the accident remains unknown, and authorities have launched a full investigation.

The 70-year-old bus driver, identified as D.K., was detained for 48 hours on suspicion of committing a criminal offense against public traffic safety. Branislav Nedimović, the Mayor of Sremska Mitrovica, stated that inappropriate speed is the unofficial suspected cause, though the official investigation will determine the facts. Interior Minister Ivica Dačić also highlighted that the driver had received an unlimited extension of his medical certificate at the age of 69, with traffic police attributing fault to inappropriate speed. Police, firefighters, and a public prosecutor remained at the scene late Friday, with traffic on the affected road section temporarily interrupted.

Community Impact

In response to the tragedy, the city of Sremska Mitrovica is expected to declare a day of mourning. Mayor Nedimović extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a swift recovery to the injured, noting that 70 health workers immediately rushed to their workplaces to assist.